Surrounded by Beauty

My friend, Shelly hosted a wreath making party in her Party Barn on the day after Thanksgiving. I was surrounded by beautiful women, wreaths and a delicious lunch. I always feel fortunate when I get invited and can be there instead of at the mall on Black Friday. I get Pretty Friday instead.

Shelly's pretty niece, Danielle.
On Saturday after Thanksgiving I usually go shopping with my sisters. This year Kathi, my sis that is not a Snapsister had plans with Jeff's family, Becky is in MO visiting her new grand baby so, Mel said ask Karen and we did and she of course, jumped on it. We went to University Village for our gorgeous holiday fix. So many pretty displays. The hanging baskets were so beautiful that we all vowed to make them next year. Inspiring. Pottery Barn, beautiful.


Speaking of beautiful, the Snapsister that is not my sister, Wendi, met us, including my sis, Jodi, a Snapsister, for lunch and she brought a little Cash, her new baby boy. So beautiful, so precious, he is just perfect. And his Mama has that very beautiful new Mama glow. I had to keep my distance as I have a cold, just about killed me. I wanted to touch him so badly.
I tried to tell them we should take the van...
So, a weekend surrounded by beautiful women, sights and Christmas ideas. Today, I will be drinking EmergenCee, Alka Seltzer Cold Plus and lots of water. I need to kick the cold.

Holiday Debut

I hope you like the new Christmas look for my blog. My guys sat out in the cold all night at Best Buy to bring home a new laptop for their mama. Happy Birthday to me from my Hubby. Yes, I am getting many big birthday gifts this year. It's a big birthday!
As soon as I figure out how to load photos I"ll post about my fun outing today.

Happy Thanksgiving

A favorite Thanksgiving photo of Sam, back when he was in second grade.

*So very thankful today and everyday.
*I feel so blessed by my Lord and Savior. God is good. Thankful we can go to church this morning and hopefully sing, 'We Gather Together'- I love that hymn!
*My hubby, my best friend, who went to work this morning and will miss dinner with family, never complains, he is just so thankful for his job. I'm thankful for the years we've had together.
*My boys, I love them all so much. Today I am thankful because they will all be home for Christmas. My guys all have school and or/ jobs and are hardworking. They have nice friends too and I am thankful for each of them too.
*Our families- love them and are so blessed by them. Our parents and siblings, near and far are so good to us.
*My friends, I always say that I don't need a lot of friends, just good friends. And I do have good people in my life.
*All of the jobs my guys and myself have to go to.
*My country- in spite of all the problems of late, I love the US. Thankful for our troops today too.
*Good food, wine, books. And my dishes, I love my dishes.
*Good health, even though I got the creepin' crud yesterday.
*Our dog, Hawley, another good friend.
*Boot Camp, yep I said it.
*Thankful that we had a great vacation this year. So many wonderful memories of our Hawaii trip.
*Thankful that I get my Mom's stuffing today, and that her and Dad are able to host us in the house we all grew up in.
*And I am thankful for my readers/stalkers, I can hardly believe you show up day after day for my ramblings.
Have a blessed thanksgiving, find something today to be thankful for, even if your situation isn't want what you want. God is good and He hears you.

Clever Story

I haven't read a good book for a very long time. For months no story has made me want to stop everything and read until now.

'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' written by Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows is a treat. I don't usually share my thoughts on a book before I finish reading the book, but this is the exception. I am really enjoying this book, the entire story is told using letters. The story takes place in Guernsey in 1946, after the Nazi occupation.
In a word, this story is- 'clever'. A delightful read that I wanted to share because it is a great gift idea for Grandma, Mom, sisters and friends and your book club this Christmas.
I can't let it slip how it turns out because I haven't finished the book. Gotta go, gotta read!

Talkin' Smack, People

For boot camp this morning I wore my new running shoes. I got them at Sole Obsession, Kelly's store. I actually wear out shoes running these days.
Today we were in the gym and Robb decides we are gong to play basketball. I am not athletic, I am a short, white, chubby lady very close to fifty so I am groaning.
It was wild. Melinda was not on my team and she is rough. Like there is nothing nice about Mel on the court, nothing. I think that is how she got into the Northwest College Basketball Hall of Fame. Whatever. Sheri played in high school and Karen did too. Sheri has some moves, no doubt. Karen played back in the day when girls had manners. She is not as rough as those chicks but she did score.
Anyway, we play, it's wild and Robb says, "next shot wins."
Back and forth, it's ugly, people.
Then Robb passes to me, (the pressure, people), I have the ball, poetry in motion, and tah dah--- "She shoots, she scores!"

I. MADE. THE. WINNING. BASKET. Yes, me! The short, chubby, white chick with NO moves, who has never ever scored during a game...made the shot!

The glory, the moment, you can't imagine.

So, um yes, Melinda, you were beat by me, in a freaking basketball game.

Okay, I'm done. But it was such a moment.

Hurry, You Don't Have Much Time

Cranberry Fluff aka THE Fluff

2 cups cranberries raw (washed and ground)
1 cup sugar
Mix and let stand for 2 hours. (I put it in the fridge)
1 pint whipping cream
3/4 lb. mini marshmallows
Whip the cream and add marshmallows, let stand for 2 hours in the fridge.
1 cup drained crushed pineapple
Add everything (both mixtures that have chilled separately and the drained pineapple) and set in fridge for 24 hours.

I can't believe people who have Thanksgiving without the fluff. I use my food processor to grind the fresh cranberries. But when my sis, Kathi and I lived in Iowa on our own we chopped them by hand. Of course, we also trussed our turkey with dental floss. I have lots of good memories of us making dinner on our own in small apartments with no kitchen gadgets. Fun times for sure.




No finished photo because we are in the 24 hour zone.
I have a lot of words today- more postS coming!

Daily December Album

Last week inbetween buying my new kitchen aid, finishing my cruise mini album and a getaway with my Hubby I whipped out a fun project. It was that easy.
Ali Edwards makes a Daily December Albums every December. I decided to try one too. I purchased a Sharon Ann tablet from TOM and used other things I already had on the craft shelves. The tablet had paper, and metallic cutouts. I made my album 6 x 6 and used rings to keep it together. Just make a cover, and one page per day, number them and you're ready for December. Beginning December first take a photo a day, develop it and glue it in the album. Ali tells us not to get caught up in the fact that somedays have very little to do with the season, rather the focus is on daily life for a month. Since not everyday is planned your photo might not be great with the paper for that day-Oh well! This was truly an exercise in letting go. Let go, glue and insto-facto album.

My cover, I used acetate for the back and front and a bit inside too.


Today I cleaned and cleared. My house is now a blank canvas waiting for Christmas decorations. And my album is ready too!

Holiday Spending

While we were out and about Hubby and I did some shopping. This morning's paper is all about the shopping. Will people start shopping because apparently so far there hasn't been much Christmas shopping going on in the U.S. This is what we noticed while out and about. I overheard, many times, shoppers commenting to each other, "oooh, the kids would like this, but I better not." Not many shoppers carrying tons of packages, no lines and the sale racks were full.

It's looking bleak for the economy, folks. Maybe not so bleak for consumers though, I think maybe this is the year that we focus on the reason for the season, our Savior's birth.

We had some interesting experiences. While at REI we picked up over $300 worth of merchandise. We were approached by staff over and over. They tried to upsell us every time. We had chosen things in our budget and they made us feel as though what we had chosen wasn't good enough. We needed to get the 'bigger and better' option. Not really in our budget so we ended up putting everything back.

At Ann Taylor LOFT the sales racks were over flowing, I'm guessing they had a slow fall. I had received an email for an additional 30% off, printed it and left it at home. We went to the apple store and I asked if I could access my email on one of their computers and then print something. No problem. Love the mac guys! When I left the store the gentleman that helped me was reading my blog and going to cook the Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner. Forever friends! I ended up saving $220 on $347 worth of merchandise. I stuck with very basic black things.

So, the sales are there and I think some great deals. But we are holding back. Hubby and I are definitely going to spend less this year, make some cuts and focus on worship, family and friends. What are you doing for the holidays this year?

We're Back, Kinda

We've been gone and our phone is out of order...it's been working occassionally and Comcast is working on the problem...

Hubby and I had a mini vacation this week. We went back to where it all began for us. Marysville, Washington, specifically the Tulalip Reservation. We met in Marysville and lived there after we got married. Our first home was a cottage on the bluff, on the reservation. We rented a little place and enjoyed the view and the beach. Many of our family and friends came to stay with us and have good memories of our house on Potlatch Beach Road. Then we remodeled/built a house across the street and lived there until we moved to Lynden.
I love hotels, well actually I love hotel maids and huge bathrooms. It was nice.

Walk in showers with three shower heads make me happy too.
I have never had a spot to sit and put on my make up. I liked it.
We had dinner at Anthony's Homeport Restuarant, we ate there a lot when we were dating and newlyweds. Still yummy!
We went for a drive and saw our old house and neighborhood. It was strange to see the house and all of the changes. We had a good time remembering all the neighbors and the fun we had living there.
Then we shopped. Hubby and I both needed some new clothes and we did a bit of our Christmas shopping. Not much, it was mostly about us.
Our last stop was to visit Hubby's sweet Grandma. Grandma will be 94 years old next month. She lives on her own and is such an amazing, Godly woman. Love her and her cookies, which she sent us home with some for the guys.

These Used to Scare Me too

Another area I was scared of in the kitchen was Chicken Cordon Bleu or any stuffed meat. The key is the fillet knife, tooth picks and just jumping in with both hands.
Chicken breasts, black forest ham(I use 1/2 slice for each breast), swiss cheese(I used low fat), melted butter and a bit of flour, bread crumbs, and seasoning. I use Progresso bread crumbs, garlic and herb.

Slit the breasts, roll ham and cheese and stuff it. I close them up with tooth picks.

Dip in the butter, I do this quickly as I don't like to use too much. Trying to maintain my girlish figure, you know.

Roll or pat or whatever through the flour, bread crumbs and seasonings.

I bake on a Pam covered foil covered pan for easy cleanup.

Since this is just me the bake times are a bit of a wait and see, I set my oven at 400 degrees and start checking after 20 minutes. My oven was at 400 degrees because I was baking potatoes too.

If I have guests I reduce chicken broth, heavy cream and fresh herbs for a nice sauce. I don't do that for Monday night with the guys. Remove the tooth picks before serving.

Special thanks to my guest photographer, Max. He helped when my hands were full. He'll do anything for Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Untitled

I had many titles for this post, including:

*What a Pro!
*Lucky Me
*Thanks Hubby
*Thanks Troy
*How to Work Like a Pro
*How to Lose Your Job
*Professional Day, & I Use the Term Loosely
*WooHoo, I'm Sooo Happy
*Happy Birthday to Me?
*Half Day Sale?
*What is a Doorbuster?

Yesterday I got to work and called Macys. It was their One Day Sale and Hubby and I had been researching for months. We thought this could be it, the best Kitchen Aid mixer at the best price. So, I called and yes, it included the Professional Series mixers too. Great, I want to come in tonight and could they hold it for me? Sure, but this item in a 'doorbuster'. Hmmm, apparently a doorbuster has to purchased in the morning. Nooo! Yes.

So, when Troy came into the museum I told him I needed to leave. Sure. Troy is like the easiest, nicest boss ever. Then he asks why and if I'm okay? Well, you see yeah, I'm fine, but I need to go to the Macy's sale. Hahahahaha. Sure. No really. Okay, no problem. This is probably not my most professional moment in my museum career but hey, I want that mixer.

And, I got it! I'm so excited. So, thanks Troy and a very special thanks to my hubby for this gift. It is beautiful, fits under my counter, has 575 watts and the bowl lifts and I got 33% off. Lucky me.



I may not be very professional but my Kitchen Aid is.

Scared in the Kitchen?

I used to be scared of rolls. What if it sticks? What if I can't get it off the towel? What if it gums up?
It doesn't. It is easy and you can do it too.
I should have taken pictures as I prepared the Pumpkin Roll but this was the day of "what NoT to do". Remember? Totally can't be taking pics on a day like that...
I did get one of the finished product though.

Pumpkin Cake Roll
3 eggs
1 c. sugar
2/3 c. pumpkin
1 tsp. lemon juice
3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. ginger
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. nuts-optional
Filling-
1 c. powdered sugar
6 oz. cream cheese
4 T. butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Beat eggs at high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add sugar. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice. Combine the dry ingredients and fold into egg mixture. Spread in a greased and floured (I use the shortening and flour spray) 10 x 15 x1 inch pan. Top with nuts (I don't, guys don't like them.) Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Turn onto a lint free towel, sprinkled with powder sugar. Start rolling at narrow end; let cool. Beat filling until smooth. Unroll cake and spread filling on cake; reroll, chill, slice to serve. I serve with a bit of whippped cream.

Closer to Christmas I'll share my recipe for Chocolate Yule Log. Max and I made one last year for the dinner party we have every year.

And um yes, I have Christmas dishes too. Don't judge me!

Cruising Through the Memories

I finished a little project today. My sis, Kathi and I took a cruise this fall. To thank her for taking me on the 'suitcase survivor contest cruise' I gave her all the makings of a mini book. I bought myself identical supplies. Kathi finished her mini book while we were at Whistler. I can't wait to see them together.
My book cover.
While shopping for supplies I kept thinking about the colors of the kayaks and the fun we had out on the Puget Sound.
I am not a hardcore scrapper. Really. Okay, I'll convince you and confess. My baby doesn't have a baby book. There. I said it. He is fifteen and ever since he figured out this void in his life I have been trying to make it up to him. Anywhoo, I am pretty proud of this page combo, I used acetate and vinyl. Like a pro.
My back cover. The flag was such a pretty sight on the yacht.Good memories.

Homemaking

I'm having some time to scrap this weekend.

And I'm having some time to enjoy a cozy house this weekend. I'm so thankful for my wood stove.

Guys all worked today while I did laundry, baking, cleaning. I really enjoy being home and homemaking. Thankful today for a day to be home and get things caught up without feeling rushed.
Have a good weekend!

Tire Treads or Tread Lightly

Friday morning- Max takes a shower and then casually mentions that the tire treads on his leg, where Sam ran over him the night before really hurt while in the shower this morning.

WHAT!?

Well, you seeeeee, Mom...

Midday Friday- Sam calls my cell and asks, "Mom, did Max tell you I accidently drove over his leg last night?"

Friday early evening- I mull this over, wonder why I got two similiar stories, yet very different stories and WHY me?

I've been assured by both Sam and Max that, "it won't happen again, Mom."

This comes under the label- "you can't scare me, I have BoYs".

Gotta run, just remembered that Sam is picking Max up from Cassie's house and he may not actually StOp the car...
apparently, it happens.

Grandma's China

I have my Grandma's dishes, Autumn Gold. I think she collected them through the grocery store or Quaker Oats. My guys have been blessed to go to my folks for Sunday dinner just as I was blessed to go to Grandpa and Grandma Dykstra's farm for Sunday dinner. Sometimes we ate in the kitchen and sometimes in the dining room. If we ate in the dining room my Aunt Clarice and I would set the table with the good dishes, Autumn Gold. So, these dishes bring back lots of good memories, smells, sights and tastes.
Grandma's dishes had been used pretty heavily and so I have picked up more of the dishes at garage sales, thrift stores and estate sales. I probably have twice as many as Grandma.


Last night we used Autumn Gold for our table. My parents, siblings and their spouses came for dinner. They brought their calendars, we planned the holiday parties and dinners and drew names.
Hubby and I served Honey Sesame Pork Tenderloin, Pioneer Woman's Creamy Herb Potatoes, Orange Glazed Carrots, Hubby's Homemade Dinner Rolls, Applesauce, and J & K brought a pretty and delicious green salad. I baked a Pumpkin Roll for dessert. It was a cozy fall dinner.

What Not to Do

I was going to totally do a tutorial on my blog this week. How to Entertain Midweek Even if You Work Outside the Home. Catchy title, eh? Nice for the coming holidays.

Hubby and I are having a small dinner party for eight guests and ourselves tonight. I was going to be all organized and lead you through the party prep, with recipes, table setting and tips on how to keep the house tidy in the days leading up to the dinner party, even though I am at work during the day.

This is what happened instead...First, I was overcome with a desire to scrap book on Monday evening and covered every flat surface with scrappin' stuff. I should have been fine tuning the housekeeping, choosing linens and recipes instead of scrapbooking. But after a long dry creative spell I had to put a mini book together. Weird. Procrastination, maybe.

Hubby and I did go to Costco and Trader Joe's on Monday, our days off. Good thing. Only foresight this whole stinkin' week.

Secondly,everyone has a mini-depression going on here, very. tired. of. the. rain. Cranky people.
Thirdly, sinusitis has set in and Hubby's throat is on fire from drainage-nice. Mine is winding up for a sinus infection also.
So, this is not a tutorial on how to but rather how not to...Don't start a project, don't get sick and don't let the guys dog picking up after themselves.

Anyway, dinner is tonight. I'm sure we'll throw a lovely party, it just won't be quite as lovely as I had once planned.

Tomorrow I'll post recipes, the table setting and how my house looks with all the dimmer switches hiding the mess.
I am very thankful for my dimmer switches today.
Oh, and that I made the dessert last night.
And that it is not raining this minute.
Now, I just need a miracle cure for Hubby.

The Family That Reads Together...

While in grade school either Dan or Sam, I can't remember who, brought this book home, 'Holes' by Louis Sacher. Our entire family read it and enjoyed it. When the movie came out in 2003, we went and loved the movie too.

I picked up this one, 'Marley and Me' by John Grogan at the bookstore on Camano Island. We all read it and laughed and cried. This Christmas, the movie comes out on December 25th, starring Owen Wilson amd Jennifer Aniston and a very sweet puppy. I hope we can go as a family, I'll bring the kleenex.

'No Country for Old Men' by Cormac McCarthey, Sam brought this book home. He and Hubby read it and I'm next. The movie has come out and Sam has seen it several times.

Have you ever chosen a book as a family for everyone to read?
It's not easy hitting everyone's reading interest or level. If you have any good titles to share, I'd like that. Sometimes Hubby and I read the same books, or Sam and Hubby read the same books but it is difficult to find one that we all enjoy. When we do find one it is almost like a family book club. Try it.
*photos courtesy of Amazon

Sole Obsession

This wouldn't make the news in a city but in my little Lynden I find this to be noteworthy. We have a shoe store. Yay!
Sole Obsession had their Grand Opening this weekend and it's going to be a great addition to our little town. Kelly has done a nice job with the space, it's close to the museum, on Third Street. She has mens, womens, and children's shoes. Her focus is on shoes that feel good. Clarks, danskos, Merrills are a few of the brands. See Kai Run for kids. Cute.

Shoe shopping has never been fun for me. I have horrid feet, no joke. Several surgeries have made them better but still they are not easy to fit. If Kelly doesn't have your size she'll order it for you. Mine came in within two days. And she ordered several for me to try. I bought some sweet mary janes to wear with tights and skirts or with jeans.

And running shoes, my, they are comfortable. With boot camp I wear out my runners rather quickly. No joke. So, this is a nice resource for me. Kelly's husband Robb runs the boot camp, where I work out. Quite the racket they have going, the more he makes me run, the more I'll need new running shoes. Nice.

Never Fail Cinnamon Rolls

That is the name of the recipe however; some friends, family and coaches I know have failed with this recipe. So, I use the name loosely... One friend accidently grabbed a lemon cake mix, I don't recommend that!
In the fall and winter I usually start a batch first thing on Saturday mornings. The kneading is for 5 minutes and I urge you to watch the clock. I try to get rid of any frustrations for the week while kneading my dough. A bad week can result in some lovely, light rolls!
Lots of cooking and cleaning can be done while these are rising. Don't be a afraid of yeast. You can do it!

Never Fail Cinnamon Rolls

2 1/2 c. warm water
2 packets of yeast or 4 1/2 tsp. (I buy mine at Costco and keep it sealed tight in tupperware.)
Mix and let it get going a bit, then add one Super Moist White cake mix and 5 cups flour. Stir together. Then butter your hands and knead. I rebutter during the five minutes of kneading.

Cover the dough with a tea towel and let rise. I let it rise in my oven with the oven light ON. The light keeps it just the right even temperature and it doesn't get bumped in there. I used to let it rise on the heat register but toddlers stepped in it and now we have a wood stove.
After it rises it looks like this:

Flour the counter and dump out your dough.
Spread it out and then spread with a soft cube of butter.

After you've buttered the dough cover with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Roll and slice into about one inch rolls. I use either two 9X13 pans or a combination. I always make some in a foil pan to have in the freezer, ready to share.

Then let rise again, in the oven with the light on until double in size.

I went to the Methodist Church Bazaar during this time and found some treasures to buy including new scrubbies and some cute gift tags. I love these homemade pot scrubbers.
Take the rolls out of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Then bake for 20 minutes.
Frosting
2 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup soft butter
a splash of half and half
Mix and frost. Then enjoy and share!

I hope I wrote out the recipe correctly- it is in my head, I know it by heart and am on auto pilot on Saturday mornings with these rolls. My family is not too keen on raisins but they would be a nice addition. Sometimes I add orange peel to the brown sugar part and orange juice to the frosting for orange rolls.